Serra da Estrela Cycling Tours
Altitude Cycling Holidays Portugal
Serra da Estrela Challenging Cycling Tours
Altitude cycling holidays Portugal take you to the highest mountain in mainland Portugal the ideal setting for spending quality cycling days immersed with nature. With its highest point located at the Torre 1,993m above sea level, the Serra da Estrela is full of impressive mountain gradients, where you can challenge your legs among the silence of the heights. Serra da Estrela Portugal is the ideal destination for cycling training and quality rides venturing inland from the city of Porto explore some of Portugal’s most striking scenery. The landscape is dominated by the granite crags and the rugged peaks of Serra da Estrela which are snow capped in winter and swathed in purple heather in spring time.
Altitude Cycling Holidays Portugal
Start the day with your one location hotel in the highest village in Portugal, Sabugueiro at an altitude of 1050m, this mountain village is located in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
Fully charged with a leisurely breakfast it’s time to begin your Serra da Estrela challenging cycling tour. Once in your cycling rhythm the kilometers/miles flow, as we pass Portuguese villages that haven’t changed in many years. It won’t be the distance, more the altitude that will be the thrilling encounter on these epic rides each day.
Cycling at Altitude explore Star Mountain
Amazing quality riding on the mountain roads of the Torre, challenge your legs and enjoy the benefits of cycling at altitude in central Portugal. Crafted ride routes each day to ensure the very best physical gains from your cycling adventures in the high mountains of Portugal.
Altitude cycling holidays Portugal, tailored to your cycling level or goals, get ready to experience unique ride routes all in one epic challenging week with the professionals of Practice Bicycle Tours in Serra da Estrela Portugal.
Looking for less mountains with your bike rides?
For a variety of terrain with your next warm weather cycling holiday this Winter / Spring head South to our Algarve cycling destination, take a look at the Sunny Algarve.
Tour Type 
Epic Cycling Tour
Fully Guided
PB Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle
Small Group
2 – 8 Guests
Cycling Level
Epic 90km / 55mi per day
Packages
Premium Tour:
4* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4552 pp
Custom Tour
Contact Us:
Request a private, customised version of this tour for yourself or cycling group.
Centre Based Cycling
Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Season
March – October
Duration
6 Nights / 7 Days
Distance
430km / 265mi
Elevation
10,665m / 35,000ft
Optional Extras
Single Room – AUD $518
Bike Hire – AUD $450
Serra da Estrela One Location
The Perfect Cycling Base for Altitude Cycling Holidays Portugal
The Practice Bicycle team have been turning the pedals on the roads of Portugal since 2011 discovering a network of tranquil and amazing choice of ride routes ideal for you .
From the sunny Algarve Region to the highest point of Portugal in the Centre Region of Guarda . The variety of terrain that the Algarve cycling experience offers, to the spectacular challenge of the rugged natural landscape mountains of Serra da Estrela UNESCO national park.
The highlight and pinnacle of your Serra da Estrela (Star Mountain) challenging cycling tour is the Torre (1,993m/6,539ft) the highest point in mainland Portugal. The Torre (Tower) mountain summit is unique with its paved roads on a plateau, with the mountain range surrounded by a variety of towns including Seia, Manteigas, Gouveia, Guarda and Covilha, all adding to the perfect cycling experience each day.
Challenging the legs in this unique mountain setting, 100km/60mi long and 30 km/19mi wide, made from a huge granite ridge that once formed the southern frontier of the country.
Enjoy an amazing climbing experience at the Altitude Cycling Holidays Portugal.
Serra Estrela, wow! A cycling environment of natural beauty, isolation, brilliant scenic riding roads, if you love to pedal with great riding companions, enjoy these stunning, varying bike rides. The delicious cake, coffee & coke stops were very welcomed, the mountain hotel was exceptional, I thoroughly enjoyed the cabrito assado!
Tim – UK
Dates & Price
Mountain Challenge at the Altitude Cycling Holidays Portugal, click the “Book Now” button next to the tour date.
2023
2024
Looking for specific dates?
If you want to travel on different dates, don’t hesitate to contact us about arranging a custom Altitude Cycling Vacation!
Altitude Challenging Cycling Itinerary
Epic climbing routes for the avid bike rider, enquire above to reserve your place.
Arrival Day Serra da Estrela Cycling Tour
Arrival Time: Midday
Today is arrival day with your private transfer from Porto Airport (Portugal) to your luxury hotel in the peaceful village of Sabugueiro.
Sabugueiro holds the title of the highest village in Portugal, being located at 1120 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Serra da Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark. Your One location, centre based cycling is known for its natural resources, waterfalls, and for the panoramic views of a unique mountain landscape.
The story goes that this parish emerged from a cluster of shepherds’ huts who used the pastures for their sheep and goats!
This evening enjoy a wonderful mountain dinner together to welcome you to your Serra Estrela Cycling Tour.
Today is arrival day with your private transfer from Porto Airport (Portugal) to your luxury hotel in the peaceful village of Sabugueiro.
Sabugueiro holds the title of the highest village in Portugal, being located at 1120 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Serra da Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark. Your One location, centre based cycling is known for its natural resources, waterfalls, and for the panoramic views of a unique mountain landscape.
The story goes that this parish emerged from a cluster of shepherds’ huts who used the pastures for their sheep and goats!
This evening enjoy a wonderful mountain dinner together to welcome you to your Serra Estrela Cycling Tour.
*The Altitude Challenging Cycling Itinerary comprises a selection of Epic Climbing ride routes, our extensive knowledge of the Serra Estrela roads allows for flexibility as required!
Altitude Cycling Portugal – Manteigas
Epic Ride Route
Distance 75km / 47mi
Ascent 1785m / 5900ft
Torre North (1993m) 19km @ 6.2%
Roll from your hotel to magnificent panoramic views of the Serra Estrela, the perfect ride to begin your altitude cycling holiday as we climb up behind your hotel onto the edge of the mountain plateau at 1400m.
The views are as breathtaking as the challenging cycling, on a clear day you can see the border with Spain and the Asturias Mountain Range in the distance!
Winding through deep pine forests enjoy the long gradual descent before we take a cafe stop, ready for the big challenge of the ride of the Zêzere Glacial Valley.
The summit of the Torre (1993m) is waiting and our very first visit to the highest point of Portugal during your Serra Estrela cycling tour, 19km of typical glacial valley with a characteristic “U” shape, select your gear be marvelled by nature and enjoy the cycling challenge, see you at the top!
Distance 75km / 47mi
Ascent 1785m / 5900ft
Torre North (1993m) 19km @ 6.2%
Roll from your hotel to magnificent panoramic views of the Serra Estrela, the perfect ride to begin your altitude cycling holiday as we climb up behind your hotel onto the edge of the mountain plateau at 1400m.
The views are as breathtaking as the challenging cycling, on a clear day you can see the border with Spain and the Asturias Mountain Range in the distance!
Winding through deep pine forests enjoy the long gradual descent before we take a cafe stop, ready for the big challenge of the ride of the Zêzere Glacial Valley.
The summit of the Torre (1993m) is waiting and our very first visit to the highest point of Portugal during your Serra Estrela cycling tour, 19km of typical glacial valley with a characteristic “U” shape, select your gear be marvelled by nature and enjoy the cycling challenge, see you at the top!
Altitude Cycling Portugal – Loriga
Epic Ride Route
Distance 100km / 62mi
Ascent 2600m / 8500ft
Miradouro da Rocha (1653m) 9.5km @ 6.7%
Torre South (1993m) 21km @ 6.5%
Day 2 and we kick it up a notch with a magical 2000m+ elevation ride route rolling up and down amongst the best that nature can offer in the ‘Star Mountains’
Heading upwards and onwards from your hotel to the Rock Lookout at 1653m, this is a challenging cycling day, full of altitude, deep breaths and perfect pace setting for an amazing day of riding.
Descending, into the neighbouring district of Castelo Branco and the Unhais da Serra valley, the perfect opportunity to get our breath back before our big target for the day the Torre summit from the South!
This valley sits at 500m and is the sight of thermal Springs and Spas, aiding in the treatments of circulatory and respiratory systems, just what we need for a couple of hours climbing to the top of Portugal!
Distance 100km / 62mi
Ascent 2600m / 8500ft
Miradouro da Rocha (1653m) 9.5km @ 6.7%
Torre South (1993m) 21km @ 6.5%
Day 2 and we kick it up a notch with a magical 2000m+ elevation ride route rolling up and down amongst the best that nature can offer in the ‘Star Mountains’
Heading upwards and onwards from your hotel to the Rock Lookout at 1653m, this is a challenging cycling day, full of altitude, deep breaths and perfect pace setting for an amazing day of riding.
Descending, into the neighbouring district of Castelo Branco and the Unhais da Serra valley, the perfect opportunity to get our breath back before our big target for the day the Torre summit from the South!
This valley sits at 500m and is the sight of thermal Springs and Spas, aiding in the treatments of circulatory and respiratory systems, just what we need for a couple of hours climbing to the top of Portugal!
Altitude Cycling Portugal – Gouveia
Epic Ride Route
Distance 55km / 34mi
Ascent 1200m / 4000ft
Cabeca do Velho (1300m) 14km @ 4.6%
Heading in a variety of directions with your PB Altitude Cycling Vacation turns a good cycling week into an unbelievable cycling experience.
With your first ride routes hitting the heavy heights of the Torre (1993m) summit on both occasions, today you can get your breath back with a downhill start from your hotel to the flat quite country roads of central Portugal.
Enjoy the slow pace of life that Portugal is famous for, off the autoroute and onto roads that we would never discover, including coffee stops should you wish.
The charming gateway town of Seia, the entrance to the Serra Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark before we continue to refresh our legs riding these comfortable roads, passing tiny villages that have stood still and vineyards that we did not know existed. In fact, we are in the oldest wine region of Portugal, the little known Dao wine region, just south of the famous Douro Valley, home to Port Wine.
What goes down, must come up, is not quite the accurate expression, although when riding with PB that’s sometimes what happens, with your end to a fantastic bike ride loop climbing back to your hotel.
Distance 55km / 34mi
Ascent 1200m / 4000ft
Cabeca do Velho (1300m) 14km @ 4.6%
Heading in a variety of directions with your PB Altitude Cycling Vacation turns a good cycling week into an unbelievable cycling experience.
With your first ride routes hitting the heavy heights of the Torre (1993m) summit on both occasions, today you can get your breath back with a downhill start from your hotel to the flat quite country roads of central Portugal.
Enjoy the slow pace of life that Portugal is famous for, off the autoroute and onto roads that we would never discover, including coffee stops should you wish.
The charming gateway town of Seia, the entrance to the Serra Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark before we continue to refresh our legs riding these comfortable roads, passing tiny villages that have stood still and vineyards that we did not know existed. In fact, we are in the oldest wine region of Portugal, the little known Dao wine region, just south of the famous Douro Valley, home to Port Wine.
What goes down, must come up, is not quite the accurate expression, although when riding with PB that’s sometimes what happens, with your end to a fantastic bike ride loop climbing back to your hotel.
Altitude Cycling Portugal – Lagoa Comprida
Epic Ride Route
Distance 95km / 59mi
Ascent 2600m / 8500ft
Portela do Arao (955m) 11km @ 3%
Lagoa Comprida (1740m) 13km @ 6.5%
Yesterday you took full advantage of the highly experienced Practice Bicycle teams cycling experience by dropping in a less difficult bike ride route, today your back into the mountains from Go to Whoa!
We call this the undulating eight route, it’s up and down all day with another 2000m+ elevation, a big challenging figure of 8 loop that tops out at the Lagoa Comprida Dam a gigantic wall holding back this natural lagoon reservoir high in the Serra Estrela.
Enjoy the very best that nature and cycling in amazing locations can offer in the Ribeira de Teixeira valley, surrounded by pine forests, terraced fields and the unique shale houses of the region.
The local expression is no visit is complete without tasting Teixeira’s typical medronho brandy, we’ll save this one for your celebration dinner at the end of the tour!
Distance 95km / 59mi
Ascent 2600m / 8500ft
Portela do Arao (955m) 11km @ 3%
Lagoa Comprida (1740m) 13km @ 6.5%
Yesterday you took full advantage of the highly experienced Practice Bicycle teams cycling experience by dropping in a less difficult bike ride route, today your back into the mountains from Go to Whoa!
We call this the undulating eight route, it’s up and down all day with another 2000m+ elevation, a big challenging figure of 8 loop that tops out at the Lagoa Comprida Dam a gigantic wall holding back this natural lagoon reservoir high in the Serra Estrela.
Enjoy the very best that nature and cycling in amazing locations can offer in the Ribeira de Teixeira valley, surrounded by pine forests, terraced fields and the unique shale houses of the region.
The local expression is no visit is complete without tasting Teixeira’s typical medronho brandy, we’ll save this one for your celebration dinner at the end of the tour!
Altitude Cycling Portugal – Covilha
Epic Ride Route
Distance 105km / 65mi
Ascent 2480m / 8100ft
Pedra do Mondeguinho (1400m) 12km @ 3.5%
Torre East (1993m) 24km @ 6.5%
The legs are finally stinging from this amazing combination of Epic ride routes, skilfully combined for your ‘Ultimate PB Climbing Experience’ in Portugal.
We don’t intentionally leave the longest ride distance until last, especially as distance does not equal altitude! However, we haven’t reached the Torre (1993m) summit from the East or West so perhaps today that can be your final goal of your perfect altitude cycling holiday or alternatively add on an extra day or two to put the icing on the cycling cake.
Enjoy your final ride on these exceptional roads amongst the massive boulders of the Sierra Estrela one last time with this cycling route often used in the Tour of Portugal, professional bike race in August each year.
It’s time to celebrate together with a traditional dinner of local dishes from Sabugueiro and Saude (Cheers) with a glass of medronho.
Distance 105km / 65mi
Ascent 2480m / 8100ft
Pedra do Mondeguinho (1400m) 12km @ 3.5%
Torre East (1993m) 24km @ 6.5%
The legs are finally stinging from this amazing combination of Epic ride routes, skilfully combined for your ‘Ultimate PB Climbing Experience’ in Portugal.
We don’t intentionally leave the longest ride distance until last, especially as distance does not equal altitude! However, we haven’t reached the Torre (1993m) summit from the East or West so perhaps today that can be your final goal of your perfect altitude cycling holiday or alternatively add on an extra day or two to put the icing on the cycling cake.
Enjoy your final ride on these exceptional roads amongst the massive boulders of the Sierra Estrela one last time with this cycling route often used in the Tour of Portugal, professional bike race in August each year.
It’s time to celebrate together with a traditional dinner of local dishes from Sabugueiro and Saude (Cheers) with a glass of medronho.
Departure Day from the Serra da Estrela
Departure Time: 10:00am
With the legs truly tested on the climbs of central Portugal it’s now time to relax with the end of your Serra Estrela cycling tour.
The PB Team wish you good cycling form for the rest of the year and look forward to the opportunity to Practice Bicycle together again soon.
With the legs truly tested on the climbs of central Portugal it’s now time to relax with the end of your Serra Estrela cycling tour.
The PB Team wish you good cycling form for the rest of the year and look forward to the opportunity to Practice Bicycle together again soon.
Altitude Challenging Cycling Itinerary:
Total Distance 430km / 270mi, Total Elevation 10,7000m / 35,000ft
*The itinerary comprises a selection of epic climbing ride routes, our extensive knowledge of the Serra Estrela roads allows for flexibility as required!
Tour Arrival & Departure Meet Point: Porto Airport (Portugal) or Nelas Railway Station.
Our Premium Serra Estrela Cycling Tours include a Porto Airport (Portugal) OR Nelas Railway Station pick-up and drop-off service to your hotel, midday tour arrival and departure days.
Portugal challenging bike tours are centre based cycling in the village of Sabugueiro, Serra Estrela, Portugal. We suggest International guests arrive 1 night prior to the tour to recover from your travels and adapt to the local time zone, our recommendation the Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto which includes an Airport Shuttle.
Travel Options Available:
The closest airport is Porto International Airport (Portugal) situated in the North of Portugal and serviced by many International carriers including:
Tap Air Portugal, Air France, Delta Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, IBERIA Airlines and Air Transat
Air Travel: For international guests choosing to arrive in the capital city Lisbon (Portugal). Lisbon Airport offers connecting flights to Porto Airport (Portugal).
Train Travel: Rail Service network operates between Lisbon and Nelas 4 hr travel time.
Bus Travel: Public Bus transport companies Rede Expressos (Lisboa-Seia) & Flixbus (Lisboa-Covilha) operates with a coach service approximately 4hrs.
Car Travel: Many worldwide Car Rental companies are also available and the A1 Portuguese motorway network will bring you directly to Seia and the village of Sabugueiro approx 3hrs 290km/180mi.
Serra Estrela cycling tours are ideal for the experienced cyclist looking for a choice selection of epic climbing ride routes each day with altitude cycling holidays Portugal.
Each cycling route during this Portugal challenging bike tour will be tailored specifically to your bike riding experience. With our center based cycling at the ideal location in the village of Sabugueiro to return to each day, there are no time constraints and no getting left behind. A cafe stop is never far away and in addition Recovery rides are always available to maximize your cycling week.
The Serra Estrela Cycling Tours offer 4* Hotel Accommodation in the highest village in Portugal the calm natural environment to enjoy your premium stay post cycling. The 4* Abrigo da Montanha Hotel Rural & Spa, the ultimate expression of contemporary design, while paying tribute to traditions surrounding it. The hotel also features an à la carte restaurant and bar.
Quality, testing mountainous cycling demands to be well refueled each day, included for your Altitude week of riding a complete variety of local hearty flavours each evening dinner with a Entradas (appetisers or starters) + Pratos (main dishes) + Sobremesas (desserts).
Please note that drinks are not part of the package.
‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’
The one location centre based cycling experience is the brainchild of Bridget Evans (Owner/Operator). On retiring from professional cycling it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven Practice Bicycle philosophy of one location. Including everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.
Packing and Unpacking each day is tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the unique location before it is time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride options exploring in every direction from the one hotel.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday!
For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your Altitude Cycling Holidays Portugal at the Serra da Estrela.
Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution with the KTM carbon road bikes in latest models with Shimano 105 or Ultegra 11speed groupsets.
Serra Estrela Cycling Tour includes:
Serra Estrela Cycling Tour Highlights:
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